ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus

Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

CHRISTIAN DUTIES

A duty is an obligation (something that calls you to task). For example, it is the duty of parents to
nurture and provide for their children. As Christians, there are duties that we have to observe and
obey in order to build and maintain the right relationship with God, our creator. These duties can
be summarized into seven (07) main points as follows:
1. Prayers
2. Fasting
3. Studying the word of God
4. Fellowship with God and His people
5. Exercising the gift of God in you
6. Financial obligations unto the Lord
7. Living a holy life
In this document, a general overview of each Christian duty is presented. An in-depth study of
each of these Christian duties is very important for our spiritual growth and we are all advised to
prayerfully engage in it.

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

1. PRAYERS
The life of our perfect example (Jesus Christ) upon the face of this earth was guided by
prayers at ALL instances. Throughout His ministry here on earth, He always separated himself
from His Disciples and spent time praying. In Mathew 26: 40-45, Mark 14: 33-41, and Luke 22:4;
our Lord Jesus prayed earnestly to God the Father and taught His disciples (you and I included) to
pray also so that they will not fall into temptation. The greatest enemy of prayers is the flesh.
When you are not prayerful, you give room to the flesh to overcome your spirit and falling into
temptation just becomes like a, b, c…
Through prayers, we learn to submit to the will of God. In the three scriptures cited above,
we see Jesus (our perfect example) praying and submitting himself to will of His Father, even unto
death. Therefore, it is important we understand that unless we submit to the will of God (Lord, let
thy will be done in all that I’m requesting for) in prayers, all our prayers will be in vain.

How often should I pray?

1 Thessalonians 5: 17 clearly states “pray without ceasing.” Therefore, we ought to make
prayers a lifestyle. Pray at ALL TIMES (before you go to bed, when in bed, when you get up bed,
when you are eating, working, sleeping, in the rest room, etc). In fact, consider prayers to be just
like the air we breathe. When you cease to breathe in air for some minutes, then the last enemy (1
Corinthians 15:26) has come calling. Therefore, when we fail to pray for some minutes, then we
are exposing our hearts to diverse temptations which can easily cause us to fall.

How do I learn how to pray?

The best method to learn how to pray is by praying. Make use of the Disciple’s prayer
(Mathew 6: 6-13) and Jesus’ prayer (John17: 1-26) to understand the pattern in which you can
begin your prayers. As you keep following it more and more, that is how you will learn how to
pray. Note that just reciting a written prayer over and over may have little or no impact on your
life/request. Learn how to reach out to God using your own words. Generally, it is best to pray
using ACTSS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Submission, and Supplications).
In Adoration, we worship and reverence the Name of the Lord (Psalm 103:1-2 and many
other Psalmist).
In Confession, we acknowledge our sins/weaknesses and plead for His mercy upon us
(Isaiah 59:1-2, Psalm 66:18, Mathew 11:28-29).
In thanksgiving, we appreciate Him for life, protection, provision, good health, job,
promotion, etc. In fact, we express our contentment (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6-8) to Him.
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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

In Submission, we bring our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ (Corinthians 10:5,
Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 16:18; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 66:2)
Finaly, we now present our needs/desires to Him in supplication, while having in mind that
whatever we ask for, He can only answer us ACCORDING TO HIS WILL AND NOT OURS.
So, seek to ask according to His will.

Is there a particular accepted format/style for prayers?

Feel free to pray silently (1 Samuel 1: 5-1, see verse 13 in particular) or violently (Hebrews
5: 7; James 5:16 b) as your heart/spirit leads you. You can lie down, kneel, sit down or stand up
while praying. ALL is that you should be intentional in your actions. BUT I MUST SAY
THAT THERE ARE MOMENTS WHERE SILENT PRAYERS MAY NOT BE
APPROPRAITE TO HANDLE SOME SITUATIONS (Mattew 11:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4;
Ephesians 6:12; Job 5:12, Isaiah 59:19).
Praying in the spirit (i.e. speaking in other tongues) is very essential for every child of
God. In Acts 1:12-15, the disciples continued with one accord in prayers while waiting for the
promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and Acts 2:1-4, they continued in prayers and in verse 4,
they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with other tongues as the spirit gave
them utterance. When you don’t pray in the spirit, you become very limited because there are
mysteries decoded to us when we pray in the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 14:2-4; 1 Corinthians
14:13-14; Acts 19:1-6; Romans 8:26-27; Jude 20).
To learn more about prayers and its results, read; Mathew 17:21; Mathew 21:22; Mark 9:28-
29.

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

2. FASTING

Fasting refers to abstaining from food and drink for a specific period. To fast means to
voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food and drink for a specific time and purpose.
A fast must be accompanied by prayers and meditation on the word of God, else it will just be
but a hunger strike and as such cannot attracts any rewards from God. In Mathew 6:16-18, our
Lord Jesus taught about fasting. During a fast period, we must look neat and should not carry on
ugly/sad faces to prove to people that we are fasting. It should be more of a secret followship with
the Lord and only Christians with whom you are engaged should be informed.

Is fasting a necessity for a Christian?

Yes, fasting is an absolute necessity for a child of God because there are some stubborn
situations that can only be handled through fasting (Mathew 17:21; Mark 9:28-29).

For how long should I fast?

There is no specific period for a fruitful fast. A fast can range from hours to days to weeks,
as the Lord leads you. Jesus, our perfect example, fasted for 40 days and nights (Mathew 4:2). A
long fast period is more effective than a short fast period, if and only if you stay connected in
prayers throughout the fast period (Daniel 10:2-3). Given the busy schedules that many of us
have in our present-day society, I personally advice short fasting periods accompanied by
fervent prayers (James 6:16b), rather than long periods where it just becomes a routine, and
Christians end up not having the benefits of such a long fast.
If you have never faster before, it is strongly advised that when you want to fast, begin
gradually. Begin your fast in hours (from 3 hours to 6 hours to 9 hours to 12 hours and so on). So,
you must train your system to adapt, else you can have serious health challenges. Once you
become acquainted with fasting, taking a full day, 3 days or one week fast becomes easy.

A long fast can be a wet fast or dry fast. For a wet fast, you break it at the end of each day
until you cover the time you planned for the fast while for a dry fast, you don’t eat or drink
anything throughout the fasting period. Unless you have grown your faith/spirit in dry fasting
for longer periods, I advise that a dry fast should not exceed three days for health reasons.

What are the things that makes a fast acceptable?

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

Before we engage in a fast, we must make things right with our fellow brethren (Mathew
6:14-15). You cannot be keeping grudges against someone and engage in any meaningful fast.
Avoid unnecessary visits and discussions during a fast because you may get involved in
things that will grieve your spirit. Avoid going to feasting occasions (unless absolutely necessary)
during a fast period because it’s quite tempting and you may unconsciously eat not knowing that
you in a fast.
In Isaiah 58:3-8, we see a fast that is acceptable and one that is not acceptable unto God.
Verse 6 describes the main items to handle during a fast (loose the bands of wickedness, undo
heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free and break every yoke).

How to break a fast

The way a fast is broken is very important for health reasons. To break a fast, you start by
drinking only water. After some minutes, take fruits (if available) which should help open your
digestive system. After this, you can then eat your food. Vegetables are advised for a start and
followed by soft food. Avoid hard food items because their digestion can become very difficult. If
you have only hard food, then make sure you chew very well before shallowing.
I pray someone will take a conscious decision to practice this Christian duty more often.
Hallelujah!

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

3. STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). To make you
free is a process and not a single day’s activity. Therefore, we must study the word of God
daily to be able to learn and understand basic Biblical doctrinal truths needed to make us free
from bondage and sin.
Let it be clearly known to us that it is not the amount of good works we do or the number of
miracles we perform that will qualify us or our followers to enter the kingdom of God (Mathew
7:21-23). What will put a soul into the kingdom of God (first resurrection in particular) is
the authoritative knowledge of the word of God (Doctrine of Christ) contained in the
greatest book of all times, called the Bible.
In Romans 15:4, Apostle Paul reminded the Roman Church that whatsoever things were
written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the
scriptures might have hope. He was actually calling on the church to spend more time to study
(learn) the word of God because it teaches about patience (wait on God until he answers you)
and hope for the resurrection (Christ second coming).
In Joshua 1:8-9, we are encouraged not to let this book of the law (Bible) depart out of our
mouth, but that we should meditate therein day and night so that we might observe and do
according to ALL that is written therein. When we live according to ALL that is written in the
Bible, then our ways will be prosperous, and we will have good success.
Let it be made known to us that there are so many charlatans on the pulpit today preaching
and teaching doctrines of devils and ignorant Bible carriers are there shouting amen to the
falsehood they are dishing out from the pulpit. When you pray and fast (fulfilling the first
and second Christian duties), God equips you with the spirit of discernment. This way, you
acquire the spirit of the saints in Berea who were more noble that those in Thessalonica in that
they searched the scriptures (Bible) daily to confirm all the teachings that Apostle Paul
taught them (Act 17:11). Read the whole of Acts 17 to understand more. Dear friend, how
often do your search the scriptures? Are you just a Bible owner/carrier? God forbid!!!
To know the truth (undiluted word God), you must study the Bible daily. Apostle Paul in his
letter to Timothy (1 Timonthy 2:15) instructed him to study to make himself approved unto
God a work man that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Are
you ashamed to preach the gospel? How much volume of truth does your soul have? Can you
use the word of God to discern truth from error? Dear friend, I encourage you to study the word
of God.
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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

The word of God is food for our souls. Man as a human being is made up of three
components (body, soul and spirit). The physical food we eat goes to nourish the body (flesh)
to give us energy to go about our daily routines. The soul needs spiritual food (word of God) in
the same way as the flesh needs physical food. Our perfect example in Mathew 4:4, clearly told
the devil off that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the
mouth of God. When we study the word, we feed the soul. The soul is made of the intellect
(our thinking), sensibility (our feeling) and willpower (our actions).
In Psalm 119:105, the word of God is described as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our
path and in verse 130, it gives light and understanding to the simple.
Are you a foolish or wise virgin (Mathew 25:1-13)? How much oil (volume of truth) do you
have in your lamp? Proverbs 23:23 says we should buy the truth and sell it not. That truth is
found in the Bible and is preached on some pulpits by men whom God has called.
Are you a Pastor, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist or an Apostle? Do you really have the call
from God to function in that office? Are you working according to the pattern that the Lord has
instructed, or you are just using your own drunken spirit to keep God’s people in bondage?
Lovers of truth, I encourage you to pray, fast and study the word and you won’t be deceived by
the many charlatans who are misinforming God’s people around the globe. Hallelujah
hallelujah!!!

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

4. FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship can be defined as a shared spiritual relationship we have with Jesus and our
fellow human beings (1 John 1:1-7). I invite you to prayerfully meditate on 1 John 1:3 and
let God reveal acceptable fellowship to you. Fellowship has to do with following church
programs and the ability to develop a holy alliance with the saints (saved ones). Fellowship
is spiritual, eternal and invisible (not a tangible form). We must not be physically together
before we can have fellowship.
Any gathering of two or three persons (families, meeting groups, friends, church) in the
name of the Lord is fellowship. The Lord tells us in Mathew 18:20 that where two three are
gathered together in His name, there He is in their midst. Note be taken that it is not a crowd
that makes a fellowship acceptable. In the time of Noah (Genesis 6, 7 and 8), his church had
only eight (08) members (Genesis 6: 10, 18) and this was the only fellowship God identified
Himself with at the time. Jesus spent 33.5 years here on earth during His first advent and
for 3.5 years of His ministerial work, he left a church with just 120 faithful saints (Acts
1:15). Therefore, it’s not a multitude that makes a fellowship acceptable, but the commitment
of those involved to fulfill the will of God (serving God in conviction and not in
convenience).
God created man for His glory (Isaiah 43:7). Therefore, in whatever we do for our daily
living, let us seek to glorify God. One of the best ways in which we glorify God is through our
fellowship with Him. In 1 Corinthians 1:9-10, God our Father calls us unto fellowship with His
son Jesus Christ and that in having fellowship, we grow to have the mind of Christ where we
reason and speak the same things (no divisions in the church).
Man has two relationships: A vertical relationship with God and a horizontal
relationship with man. We strengthen these relationships through fellowship. Christians can
have fellowship through worship, prayers, instruction (Bible studies), discipleship, mentorship,
communion, services you render in God’s house and to God’s people, support, charity,
hospitality and leisure. An elaboration of each of these points is a whole message on its own.
In Hebrews 10:25, we (Christians) are encouraged not to forsake the assembling of
ourselves together as others do, but let us encourage one another more and more even as the
day of the Lord’s second coming is approaching. In Acts 2:42 just after the day of Pentecost,
when 3000 souls were added into the Body of Jesus Christ (Acts2:41), Apostle Peter states
“and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of
bread and in prayers.”
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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

Jesus had fellowship with his Father (John 17:1-2) and prayed that we also may enjoy this
same fellowship in the church as Christians (John 17:2). Dear Friend, do you still make
statements like “Ah no di go me church because God di see nah man yi heart?” Please
reconsider your statement because we must have fellowship with God and with our fellow
brethren (called out ones). I invite you to have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is
with the Father (God the Father) and His son Jesus Christ (1John 1:3).

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

5. EXERCISING THE GIFT OF GOD IN YOU

Christ gave various gifts to the church. A spiritual gift is an ability given by the Holy Spirit
to express our faith effectively for the upbuilding of another’s faith. The Bible talks a lot about
spiritual gifts and an inexhaustive list includes apostleship, prophetic, evangelism, pastoral work,
teaching (Ephesians 4:11), leadership, tongues, miracles, interpretation of tongues, faith,
shepherding, administration, healing, discernment, exhortation, giving, compassion, servanthood,
wisdom, knowledge, helping, charity, intercessors, singing, instrumentalist, and so.

Of what role is a gift to a child of God and the church?

Ephesians 4:12-13 says these gifts are meant for:
a) the perfecting of the saints
b) the work of the ministry
c) the edifying of the Body of Christ
d) till we all come to the unity of the faith
e) gain full knowledge of the son of God, driving us to perfection
f) build us to acquire the mind of Christ
Unfortunately, we have so many charlatans in the name of apostles and prophets today who
are completely misusing the gifts that God has given them for their personal gains. Dear friend, run
away from such impostors.
In 1 Corinthians 12: 1, apostle Paul teaches that we should not be ignorant about spiritual
gifts and In 1 Corinthians 14: 1, He encourages us to desire spiritual gifts. Study the whole of 1
Corinthians 12, 13 and 14 to understand more about spiritual gifts. As a child of God, have you
identified your gift from God? If no, I strongly advise you to walk closer to God and plead for your
gift to be revealed to you. If yes, I wish to ask if you are actually functioning in that office (making
use of your gift) to serve God and His people?
In Proverbs 18:16, the scripture says a man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him
before great men. Do you want to go before great men and be known, then identify your gift and
function in it fully. Never you want to imitate another person’s gift because it will not yield any
meaningful results. Blessings as you exercise your gift in God. Hallelujah!!! Hallelujah!!!

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

6. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS UNTO THE LORD

Dear brethren, permit me say here that this is a Christian duty that carries a lot of
controversy in the church today because of the so many charlatans (so called men of God,
church committee members, church finance managers) who have taken God’s house/work as
their personal businesses and are feeding fat from genuine/manipulated contributions of
Christians.
Let it be stated here that the fact that so many persons are mishandling finances in God’s
house CANNOT AND SHOULD NEVER BE A REASON FOR A CHILD OF GOD TO
STOP FULFILLING HIS/HER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS UNTO THE LORD,
because you give not onto men, but unto God. Therefore, the problem is not with you who
has given, but it is with him/her who keeps mismanaging it for selfish gains.
Jesus is the most generous person who ever lived. He left the comforts of heaven, took
on human flesh, and gave his life on the cross so that we might live in Him again at the
resurrection. In response to Jesus’ generosity, we are called to be generous (generous with
our money, property and time).
The financial commitments of children of God include: offerings, tithes, thanksgiving,
pledges, willful giving, and seed sowing.
In Luke 6:38, we are told to give unto God so that in return, we will receive it
multiplied. Second Corinthians 9:6, says that whatsoever a man soweth, the same shall he reap.
So, when we give to God, we are only sowing.
No one argues over whether Christians should be generous—it’s a hallmark of the
Christian faith. But here’s the deal: When it comes to the definition of tithing in the
Bible, things get interesting. Over the years, there’s been agreements/disagreements over
whether Christians should participate in tithing. Let's take a look at tithing and giving in the
Bible:
What is tithing in the Bible?
First, let's start by answering the question "what is a tithe?" The definition comes from
Hebrew and means "a tenth." Tithing in the Bible refers to giving 10 percent of your
monthly/annual earnings, productions, or possessions. In the Old Testament, we observe Abraham
and Jacob offering a tithe to God in Genesis 14 and 28. The Israelites were also commanded to
tithe from what they earned (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:25–28; Deut. 14:22–24; 2 Chron. 31:5–6).
What does the Bible say about paying tithes?
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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

The Bible is very clear in Leviticus 27:30 where it says “A tenth of the produce of the land,
whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy.” And Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with
your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” It’s critical to recognize that tithing was central
to God’s law. The Israelites didn’t wait to feel inspired to tithe, it was expected.
Where was it first mentioned in the Bible?
So, what does the bible say about tithes? The first tithe made in the Bible happened in
Genesis 14:19-20. The first person to do so in the bible was Abram. Abram (more well known as
Abraham) returned from battle and was met by Melchizedek. During their encounter Melchizedek
attributes Abram’s victory to God and he blesses Abram. Abram responds to the blessing in
gratitude and gives Melchizedek a tenth (aka tithe) of all his possessions. And he blessed him and
said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God
Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of
everything.
Jacob offers the second tithe as recorded in the Bible. Over in Genesis 28:20–22 Jacob
responds to a dream he received from God by building an altar and vowing that, in exchange for
God’s care and provision, he would give God a tenth of his belongings. Then Jacob made a vow,
saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to
eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be
my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you
give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Tithing in the New Testament
Many people know the Old Testament references to tithing, but what does the Bible say about
paying tithes in the New Testament? Is tithing in the New Testament, or was it a concept only
found in the Old Testament? Study the following New Testament scriptures. Matthew 23:23; Luke
6:38; Luke 18:9–14; Matthew 6:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8:5-21; 2 Corinthians 9:5-13; Matthew 6:26-
34; Mark 12:41–44; Matthew 6:19–21; Matthew 25:35–40; Acts 20:35.
Are Christians required to participate in tithing?
Over the past 2,000 years, many different opinions have surfaced concerning biblical tithing
and how to tithe correctly. But basically, most Christians today align with one of these two views:
They are commanded to tithe or they are commanded to be generous.
Let’s take a brief look at both positions on tithing in the bible.
1. Christians are commanded to tithe

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

Here’s the argument: Tithing in the bible began in the Old Testament, and it's still commanded
today. This position stands on two pillars.
First, is that the requirement to tithe was made before the Mosaic covenant (Gen. 14; 28; Heb. 7:1-
2). If this is true, then this means the tithe was not abolished in Christ and is still in force today.
Second, this position argues that Jesus affirmed the continuation of the tithe (Matt. 23:23). Since
Jesus upheld the tithe, then Christians are commanded to tithe today.
Christians who take this position believe you should donate at least 10 percent of your earnings to
the local church. More or less, this position treats the tithes as a baseline of giving—not a limit.
Malachi 3:8-10 cautions us not to rob God in our tithes and offerings and goes ahead to give
us the blessings that comes with paying our tithes and offerings.
2. Christians are commanded to be generous
Here’s the argument: Christians are called to give generously, but they’re not commanded to tithe.
This position boils down to three main points.
First, the offerings that were tithed by Abraham (Gen. 14) and Jacob (Gen. 28) are
descriptions—not prescriptions. In other words, there's no evidence that Abraham and Jacob
continued to tithe or that their actions were binding for others then or today.
Second, the tithing required by the Israelites was a part of the Mosaic Law. When Jesus
fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law (Matt. 5:17), the obligation to tithe was also
abolished. So then, what did Jesus say about tithing? When Jesus talked about tithing and offering
sacrifices (Matt. 5:23–24; 23:23; Luke 11:42), he did so before he started the New Covenant,
which means it’s not binding today.
What are offerings in the bible?
An offering is a financial/material gift you make to your local church—regardless of the
amount you give. Basically, “offering” is what you call giving to your church. There’s one more
thing you need to know about offerings: God also calls you to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to
him. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a
living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Rom. 12:1).
To offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God is to offer yourself entirely to him. Offering
your life to God isn’t something you do one time at the altar or on the days you feel good. Living
sacrificially for God is something he calls everyone to do every day.
Practically speaking, Paul explains what this means in the next verse in Romans: "Do not conform
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom. 12:2).
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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

Other financial commitments such as thanksgiving, pledges, willful giving, and seed
sowing, should be done willingly and never forced by the church leader. In fact, when you give
because you are force/manipulated to give, such giving can never attract any blessings from the
Lord. Dear servants of God, stop manipulating your Christians for selfish aims. Teach them the
truth and when they understand the truth about giving, they will give willingly and bountifully.
Living a generous life
Tithing was used by God in the Old Testament to take care of his people. Today, Christ
works through our tithes and offerings to advance his kingdom and bless others. To participate in
Christ's work, it’s essential to live a generous life.
Dear friend, be generous like Jesus was generous. Regardless of what you decide to believe
about tithing, my hope is that you’ll model Jesus’ generosity. As a Christian, your goal is to be like
Jesus. Jesus modeled a generous life, and he calls you to reflect his generosity. In the words of the
Apostle John: “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which Jesus
walked” (1 John 2:6). Today, I encourage you to follow in the footsteps of your savior and live a
generous life. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

7. LIVING A HOLY LIFE

This is a very important Christian duty that believers must work hard to obey
because it keeps us safe and ready for the glorious day of the Lord (second coming of the
Lord). To live a holy life entails the following three major activities:
a) Crucifying the flesh and all its deeds
b) Overcoming the world (Religious and political world)
c) Resisting the devil
To crucify the flesh means we should not yield to the activities of the flesh that leads us into
sin. In Galatians 5:16, apostle Paul encouraged the brethren to walk in the spirit so that they will
not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Verse 17 of Galatians 5 makes us to understand that there is always
a serious battle between the flesh and the spirit and the two are always opposing each other.
Galatians 5:19-21 enlists the works of the flesh (adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revelings) and as believers in the Lord, we have a duty to strengthen our
WILL to be able to overcome all these fleshly desires. Apostle Paul warns the church in verse 21
that anyone who walks in any of the works of the flesh SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM
OF GOD. In 2 Corinthians 10:3, the scripture says that though we walk in the flesh, we do not war
after the flesh. To crucify the flesh, we need to continuously cast down our imaginations and
every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). To crucify the flesh, we must
learn to trust God and lead not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
We need to overcome the world (religious and political world) because as children of God,
even though we live in world, we are not of the world. Second Corinthians 6:14 says we should not
unequally yoke together with unbelievers because the fellowship of the righteous has nothing to do
with that of the unrighteous. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 1:1 that we should not walk in the
counsel of the ungodly nor follow the pattern of sinners. As a child of God, avoid
belonging/attending ungodly meetings because such meetings will prevent you from living a holy
life.
To live a holy life, you must resist the devil at all costs. Second Corinthians 11:2 says we
should not be ignorant of the devices of the devil, less satan should take advantage of us. James
4:7-8 says we should submit ourselves unto God, resist the devil and he will flee from us.

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ACTS 28:31 Preaching the Kingdom of God and Teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ …………
Message elaborated by Bro. Nelson Alake (Tel: +237676375299, Email: nelsonmofor@yahoo.com)

Ephesians 4:27 says we should give no room to the devil. Study Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:8-9 to
escape from the traps of the devil.

CONCLUSION
To be a genuine child of God is not easy at all. It takes a lot of sacrifices to follow God and
serve Him in truth and in spirit (John 4:24). Therefore, lovers of truth, I enjoin you to observe the
above Christian duties by considering the content of each duty while praying the Lord to give you
understanding in all things (2 Timothy 1:7). Be blessed as you are invited to have fellowship with
us (any fellowship that preaches and upholds the truth) and truly our fellowship is with the father
and His son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3).

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

God bless you for studying!

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